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Multihit streak puts Johnson in elite Braves company

Multihit streak puts Johnson in elite Braves company

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By Mark Bowman
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MLB.com |

PHILADELPHIA -- Chris Johnson has attempted to remain even-keeled while emerging as one of Major League Baseball's most consistent hitters this year. But he understandably grew excited when he learned he had matched one of Hank Aaron's Braves franchise records.

During Friday night's 6-4 win over the Phillies, Johnson became the first Braves player in the Atlanta era (since 1966) to notch eight consecutive multihit performances. The only other players in franchise history to do this were Aaron (1959), George Sisler (1928) and Walter Barbare (1921).

"It's amazing," Johnson said. "I never thought I would ever have my name next to [Aaron's] for anything. It's an awesome feeling."

This has been a season filled with welcome surprises for Johnson, who entered Saturday leading the National League with a .347 batting average. In the final two months of the season, he will make every attempt to avoid being negatively affected by the pressure that surrounds the chase for a batting title.

"I just try to block it out the best I can," Johnson said. "The only thing I think about non-stop is my approach and who we are facing. I've been a victim of thinking about stuff like that in the past. It doesn't help anybody. I just try to keep it simple."

Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.